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(877) 370-9288
issue 9 . Fall 2001
Workshops
Workshops are held at the store. Please pre-register by calling 422-0004. The cost is $5 per person.
Monday September 10, 6:15pm
Sex Toys 101: An Introduction to the Wonderful World of Toys
For everyone - Facilitated by Sara
"What is it? What do I do with it? Where do I put it?" — here's a
friendly introduction. Sara will be discussing anatomy, vibrators,
dildos, lube and other slippery stuff. This workshop will give toy
novices a chance to learn about different toys in a relaxed atmosphere.
One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Tuesday September 18, 6:15pm
Up Yours! Anal Pleasure and Health
For everyone - Facilitated by Maggie and Steve
Maggie and Steve will be facilitating a discussion about anal play
including information about anatomy, safety, lube, toys, and general
anal health.
Monday September 24, 6:15
Sex Toys 201: Adventures with Sex Toys
For everyone - Facilitated by Sara and Shelley
An interactive discussion for those with a working knowledge of basic
toys. Sara and Shelley will talk about the G-spot, dildos and harnesses,
butt toys, boy toys, and sensation play.
Tuesday October 9, 6:15pm
G Marks the Spot
For everyone - Facilitated by Maggie
Everything you've always wanted to know about the not-so-elusive G-Spot!
Maggie will talk about history, anatomy, ejaculation and practical
g-spotting tips.
Tuesday October 23, 6:15pm
BDSM 101: An Introduction to Power Play
For everyone - Facilitated by Frannie
An open discussion for those who are, or think they might be, interested
in BDSM. Frannie will be discussing some terms and definitions,
communication and negotiating boundaries, safety and safe-words.
Tuesday October 30, 6:15pm
BDSM 201: Tips and Tricks
For everyone - Facilitated by Frannie
This is a beginner-level workshop for those with an active interest in
BDSM. Frannie will talk about toys for sensation play, floggers and
other spanky stuff, basic knot tying and rope safety, as well as using
common household items in new and kinky ways.
Monday November 5,6:15pm
Toys For Boys
For everyone - Facilitated by Steve
Join Steve for an introduction to sex toys for men. Steve will be
covering basic male anatomy as well as discussing the joys of
masturbators, cock
rings, anal play, lube and more.
Tuesday November 13, 6:15pm
Sex Toys 101: an introduction to the Wonderful World of Toys
For everyone - Facilitated by Tracey
"What is it? What do I do with it? Where do I put it?" — here's a
friendly introduction. Tracey will be discussing anatomy, vibrators,
dildos, lube and other slippery stuff. This workshop will give toy
novices a chance to learn about different toys in a relaxed atmosphere.
One hour, plus time for questions and discussions.
Monday November 20, 6:15
The Ethical Slut: A Facilitated Discussion
For women - Facilitated by Shelley
Non-monogamy, polyamory, and polyfidelity are a few of the words used to
describe a way of life that eschews the norm of monogamy. This evening
is open to any woman who is interested in, or actively living as a slut,
and wants to talk about it with others.
Monday November 26, 6:15
Cheap Thrills: Do it yourself sex toys
For everyone - Facilitated by Maggie and Shelley
You may never see your house, the hardware store or grocery store the
same way again. Kinky sex doesn't have to be expensive - Shelley and
Maggie will show you how to transform everyday mundane items into sex
toys.
Art at Venus Envy
September: Michelle Gosse
"Elegant Gesicht" consists of five watercolor portraits of women I know,
all painted in a Surreal/Fauvist style. A unique style melding the
dreamlike qualities of Surrealism with the bright, bold colors of
Fauvism.
October: Hannah Gillam
Oil and water colors on canvas and wood. Brand new works of female
figures. Hanna was one of the first artists ever to show her work at
Venus Envy and we're especially happy that she's showing with us again!
November: we need an artist for November; is anybody out there interested?
Bursary News and Events
The Venus Envy Bursary Society has just awarded two $1000 bursaries to women studying in Nova Scotia. For more information regarding the bursary, including how to apply for next year, please visit our website at www.venusenvy.ca. This year's recipients are Georgina Wentzel and Joni Contant. Georgina is studying Human Services (Child and Youth Program) at the NS Community College and Joni is entering her final year of Computer Information Systems (Networking) at the Nova Scotia Community College. The selection committee judged applicants primarily on need, but also on community involvement, related experience and perceived ability to complete the year. The selection process is a difficult one and I would like to thank, on behalf of the board, this year's volunteer committee made up of Judith Meyrick, Sharon Beasely and Lora McKay.
We would like to thank all those who have generously contributed to the bursary fund, including The Eagle and Josh and Debbie (organizers of the "Civic Workers' Club" Women's Dances).
Upcoming Fund-raising Event
1st Annual Evening of Women's Comedy:
A Venus Envy Bursary Fundraiser
At the Waterfront Warehouse on October 20, 8:00pm.
(Doors open at 7pm; a light menu will be available; cash bar)
Performers include Cathy Jones; The Drill Queens; Tara Doyle (of Birdy Num Num); Mary Ellen MacLean, Shelley Wallace, and Sherry Lee Hunter (of Jest In Time); and Mary Collins Chisolm. A fabulous evening of women's humor, hosted by Jest in Time's Christian Murray! Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door, and will be available Sept. 15 at Venus Envy or by calling 422-0004 or 877 370-9288 (Mastercard and Visa accepted).
Reviews
The Ripple
For all those who love the feeling of anal beads comes a brand new toy from Tantus. The ripple combines the best features of anal beads with the convenience of a dildo, and it comes in two sizes. This toy looks like a dildo made up of linked series of bulbs, each larger than the previous one. The small starts tiny, which is great for beginners, and works its way up to a bead just over an inch in diameter. The large version takes up where the small leaves off, and it gets very large indeed.
The toys have the advantages of all silicone toys: they're non-porous, so they don't pick up bacteria and odor, and it's possible to sterilize silicone by boiling it or putting it through the dishwasher (top rack only!).
Tristan Taormino, author of The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women, gave the ripple kudos in the current issue of On Our Backs magazine, so you know it must be good. And it also comes in sparkly colours: electric blue, midnight purple, platinum, and copper.
Small: $29.95, 5.25"; Large: $49.95, 7"
The Mother's Guide to Sex: Enjoying Your Sexuality Through All Stages of Motherhood. By Anne Semans and Cathy Winks. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2001. 367 p.
The women who brought you the comprehensive and fun New Good Vibrations Guide to Sex have applied their mix of good information, advice, and writing to a new book; this one covers the area where sexuality and motherhood meet. Their goal in writing this book was "to take as comprehensive an approach as possible in affirming a mother's identity as a sexual being." (xiii) Although they never explicitly state what the philosophy behind the book is, a few points became obvious as I read. They think being sexual is an important part of being human, as is mothering, that communication is the way to get what you need and want, and that mothers do not cease being multi-dimensional people once kids are on the scene.
From pregnancy to talking with teenagers, Semans and Winks cover it all with wit and plain talk. They draw on interviews with all sorts of health practitioners, and anecdotes from 700 surveys completed by mothers are sprinkled liberally through the pages. These quotations, more than anything, made it clear the authors weren't treating motherhood like an impersonal noun, but like real people's lived lives. Their advice can be biased towards the U.S., but even the section with recommendations about how to deal with doctors at an HMO can be loosely applied to the Canadian system. What I enjoyed most about this book was the authors' insistence that mothers make time for themselves, and Seman and Winks' emphasis on the importance of valuing your own pleasure, time and experience. Even though I don't have children, I became engrossed in the book, and found myself wanting to call up all the mothers I know to offer up my services as a babysitter.
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